Transport Canada has awarded up to C$186 million ($138 million) of funding to Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport (YXY), located in northwest Canada’s Yukon territory, to undertake a series of infrastructure upgrades.

The airport requires improvements to maintain existing essential services such as passenger and charter flights, as well as cargo handling activities. Four main projects will be carried out, including upgrading the existing parallel runway; reconstructing the main runway; replacing the Whitehorse air maintenance facility; and constructing a new helicopter operations area.

“As the largest airport in the Yukon, the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport is critical to our transportation network,” says Nils Clarke, Yukon's highways and public works minister. “It keeps us connected, allows for critical medical services, supports our tourism and resource sectors and contributes to Arctic security efforts. By replacing the main runway, we will continue to ensure the airport meets the needs of the territory.”

YXY’s largest scheduled carrier is Air North, which offers routes to six destinations at present. The airline flies to Calgary, Dawson City, Edmonton, Inuvik, Old Crow and Vancouver, providing a combined 3,400 weekly departure seats. Air Canada also serves YXY daily from Vancouver International Airport.

From the total funding, C$160.6 million has been designated for the main runway replacement contract, secured by Flatiron Construction Company. The remaining funds will be assigned to the other three projects, which are currently in the planning phases.